Uber and Lyft Forced to Close Shop in PIttsburgh

Uber and other driver services such as Lyft have faced push-back from competitors around the globe. Uber had its own run-ins with cab drivers in New York City, and was the subject of major protests in Europe last month. Now, Pittsburgh has slashed the tires on both companies.

According to BizJournals, two Pittsburgh judges are shutting down both operations until Uber and Lyft receive a certificate of public convenience from the state Public Utility Commission to operate. The judges are aware of the benefits of both services, but said that, in the interest of public safety, the Public Utility Commission needs to investigate.

“We are not blind or deaf to the public opinion, at least in the Pittsburgh area, that the transportation needs of many individuals are not adequately met by currently certified carriers,” the judges said, accordingt to BizJournals. “Therefore, it may seem to some that our order here is contrary to the public interest in the ability of individuals to secure transportation in a timely matter… The General Assembly determined that before transportation can be provided to the public for compensation, a certificate of public convenience issued by the commission is necessary.”

The commission will make sure that drivers for Uber and Lyft are actually able to perform their duties, that they own insurance, that their vehicles are inspected and that they’ve passed background checks.